Contents Activity Pages

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Sports “The Locker” is produced by the current members of the

WMS Newspaper Club. WMS students who would like to contribute to future editions should listen to the school

announcements for future club meetings!

Editors: Yuto and Alice , Jonathan

Assistant Editors: Bill, Noor, Stephanie, Melanie,

and Haruki Faculty Advisor:

Lynne Johnson

The Wellesley Middle School Newspaper

Winter 2009

The Locker We’reKillingOurAirSourceAliceThe trees on the earth are the lungs of the planet. Mother Earth can barelybreathewiththeairwehavetoday.Theenvironmentalorganization,Greenpeace,says that 80% of the world’s ancient forests have already beendestroyed/damaged.Theportionwehave left isbeing threatenedby illegalanddestructive logging. Every two seconds, chunks of forests the size of footballfieldsarebeingdestroyed,evenasyoureadthis.Eachyear,theearthislosing32million acres of its natural forests. Forests are also at risk from cattle grazing,agriculture,mining,oilmining,populationexpansion,dams,pipelines,andotherinfrastructures.These things put the world at risk in very serious ways. Trees andplants haveveryimportantpartsinourlive,evenifwedon’tknowitverywell.Theystabilizethe climate by removing green house gases and holding them in their root,leaves,wood,andsoil.Destroyingtreesallowsthedangerousgasestostayintheatmosphere.Scientistshavepredicted that theconsequencesofglobalwarmingwill increase floods, heat waves, droughts, wildfires, species extinction, andspreadofdisease.Everythingwillbewiderange.Ithasbeenproventhat20‐25%of all carbon emissions are resulted from deforestation and land use changes.About thesamepercentagecomesfromthecarsandtrucksin theUS thatemitharmfulgases.Deforestation is negative towards biodiversity. It’s estimated that 70% of theworld’sanimalandplantpopulationliveinforests.Manyanimalswilldisappeariftheirhabitatisdestroyed.TheTropicalrainforestof theworld takeup12%oftheworld’slandbutcontainhalftheworld’sknownspeciesandplantlife.In100years, all the rainforests in the world would be wiped out if they keep beingdestroyed at the rate they are being now. Their ecosystems would disappear.Treesplayakeypartinprotectingriverbeds,preventinglandslides,andflooding.Thepovertyratewouldgoupaswell.1.2billionpeopleearntheirlivelihoodfromforests.Sonexttimeyouwriteononlyonesideofthepaperandthengothrowitaway,thinkagainandkeepit,oraleastrecycleit,becausepapercomesfromtreesandyou’rekillingtheairyoubreatheandtheplanetyouliveontoo.So,tryandbealittlemoreconsiderateof theamountof paperyouuseandwhathappens to itwhenyou’redone.Sources:http://www.history.com/states.do?action=detail&state=Deforestation&contentType=State_Generic&contentId=60564&parentId=earth

Top Ten Silliest Political Quotes Since Campaign

2008

So as we begin 2010, we can look back and laugh at all the crazy things that have been said

since the time of election ’08 in American politics…

By: Rishi

1. "As Putin rears his head and comes into the air space

of the United States of America, where– where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border." --Sarah Palin, explaining why Alaska's proximity to Russia gives her foreign policy experience, interview with CBS's Katie Couric, Sept. 24, 2008, displaying what we hoped to be her sense of humor…although that was unfortunately not the case!

2. "Amigo! Amigo!" --George W. Bush, calling out to

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in Spanish at the G-8 Summit, Rusutsu, Japan, July 10, 2008.

3. "We believe that the best of America is not all in

Washington, D.C. ... We believe that the best of America is in these small towns that we get to visit, and in these wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard working very patriotic, um, very, um, pro-America areas of this great nation." --Sarah Palin, speaking at a fundraiser in Greensboro, N.C., Oct. 16, 2008, once again displaying her refined eloquence…

4. "I've now been in 57 states -- I think one left to go." -

-Barack Obama, at a campaign event in Beaverton, Oregon, May 9, 2008, probably meaning to say "I've now been in 47 states -- I think one left to go."

5. "I wouldn't go anywhere in confined places now. ...

When one person sneezes it goes all the way through the aircraft. That's me. I would not be, at this point, if they had another way of transportation, suggesting they ride the subway." —Vice President Joe Biden, dispensing handy tips to protect against the swine flu and freaking us out, "Today Show" interview, April 30, 2009, and not reassuring us the least bit!

6. "I remember meeting a mother of a child who was

abducted by the North Koreans right here in the Oval Office." --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., June 26, 2008, accidentally implying that the North Koreans abducted the mother from the White House.

7. "The reforms we seek would bring greater

competition, choice, savings and inefficiencies to our

health care system." – Barack Obama in remarks after a health care roundtable with physicians, nurses and health care providers, Washington, D.C., July 20, 2009, accidentally saying that he wanted to add inefficiencies instead of efficiencies to the system.

8. “I think it was in the Rose Garden where I issued this

brilliant statement: If I had a magic wand -- but the president doesn't have a magic wand. You just can't say, 'low gas.'" --George W. Bush, Washington D.C., July 15, 2008.

9. "People say, well, do you ever hear any other voices

other than, like, a few people? Of course I do." --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., Dec. 18, 2008, accidentally implying that he may be “hearing voices”.

10. "And they have no disregard for human life." --

George W. Bush, on the brutality of Afghan fighters, Washington, D.C., July 15, 2008. Oh, how kind!

Before…

After…

Sources: about.com, http://blog.reidreport.com/uploaded_images/cheney-gun-cartoon-755917.gif, and http://z.about.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/1/O/2/vice-presidential-lk1016d.jpg

Mysteries in New York

Part II : To the Orphanage

By Noor

Part 1 Summary Lynn, Alicia, and Myra have gone on a vacation to New York! On the way back to a park where Alicia accidentally forgets a purse, the girls find a lost girl. What to DO? Upon their arrival at the park Alicia mysteriously disappears, leaving her two friends along with the lost child to find their way out of the bone-chilling, spine-shivering park. “Well,” Myra said, analyzing the situation. “Um, at least we have a place to go back to—the restaurant.” “For goodness sakes, Myra, where do we take this … kid?” Lynn asked, annoyed. “The orphanage?” “That’s a great idea!” Myra smiled, brightly. “Let’s take her there and … yeah. We’re done with that problem!” “Um, no, we’re not,” Lynn snapped. “What about ALICIA?” Myra’s eyes darted apprehensively through the park. “Well, we can always … find a policeman?” “Out here? In this DESERTED place with absolutely NOTHING helpful?” Lynn burst out. “I’m going back to the restaurant!”

The girls headed back to the entrance of the park. There, just by the gate of the park, lay a small, pink bracelet. “That’s Alicia’s!” Myra cried. “I’m so not kidding, Lynn—it is a clue to where Alicia is! She’s probably left the park by now!” “Without us?” Lynn asked, skeptically. “Me tired and cold and…and…hun-gar-ee!” the little lost girl shivered, breaking up the word “hungry” as if emphasizing the word would get her food. “Well,” Myra said, bravely. “Let’s assess the situation. Who or what is our first priority?” “Alicia. And then this child,” Lynn announced. “So, we really need to find Alicia—fast! Our parents will be sick with worry.”

“Then, while we look for an orphanage or place that takes … lost kids, we’ll look for Alicia.” Lynn took the little girl’s hand and marched out of park. The three trooped down the streets, eyes searching for a place for the girl. “You know what?” Myra announced, after five minutes of searching. “Let’s just give her to a policeman. Alicia’s missing and we need to find her.” “THIS IS NEW YORK!!” Lynn burst out. “THIS IS HORRIBLE! HOW DO WE FIND A LITTLE TEENAGER IN THIS HUGE CITY!?” Myra watched her friend make a huge scene, attract attention, and then calm down. “Lynn, stop it. You’re making a horrible scene!” Tears escaped from Myra’s eyes as she realized how true Lynn’s terrible words were. “How about we try a store?” Myra asked, firmly. “Let’s go! We’ll ask a storekeeper where the nearest orphanage or day care or whatever is? Okay?” Lynn silently followed her friend into a restaurant. The brightly lit room with delicious smells of Mexican foods escaped from the kitchen, causing Lynn an extra burst of sadness at the thought of her parents waiting in the restaurant. Myra approached the counter and asked, “Do you know of any orphanages around here? Day cares, perhaps?” At a lady’s staring, stern blue eyes Myra’s tone of voice changed. “WE are not orphans, ma’am. We just need to KNOW.” The lady gave directions and the three girls left. Ten minutes later, the girls arrived at the Parker Orphanage. Lynn pushed open the door to find a weary, old lady. “Ma’am, we found this girl on the streets,” Lynn announced. “Please, do you know what to do?” The lady took the little girl’s hand and asked, “What’s your name, dear?” “M-my name?” the girl asked, her trembling face pinched in worry. “Mommy calls me … Kitty.” “Kitty?” the lady asked. “Well, Kitty, come with me.” “Wait,” Myra cried. “What are you...?” “Would you girls like to come in and see her to her room—is that it?” the lady inquired. “Yes, please,” Myra responded. Lynn elbowed her. “What?” she hissed. “We have to find Alicia!” “I care about Alicia,” Myra answered, exasperated. “But I care about Kitty, too!” Lynn and Myra followed the lady who defiantly announced that her name was Mrs. Bird. She led them to a room that was filled with many girls, all ages seven years and younger.

Mrs. Bird turned to the girls. “We’ll check Kitty in late. For now, thank you for bringing her here.” Just then, Kitty rushed to Myra and buried her face into Myra’s jacket. “Don’t go, sissy!” she wailed. Lynn gasped. “She thinks you’re her sister!” “Am I, really?” Myra laughed, nervously. She hugged Kitty back and took her to a bed. “Lie down, okay, Kitty? Mommy will, um, come soon, okay?” Kitty smiled up at Myra and gave a small, cute smile. Myra smoothed Kitty’s hair and in seconds, she was asleep. With one last wave, Myra and Lynn left the orphanage. (TO BE CONTINUED IN THE SPRING EDITION…)

Cinderella Twist Part II

(Formerly known as The Cinderella Story)

By: Melanie

Overview: I, Cindy the daughter of the great ruler of our land, has been turned into a slave. I will have vengeance on my stepmother for murdering my father. I will rise to inherit the Saw House and all the land under it. I will overthrow Anna with my friend Andrew at my side. She cannot toss my aside like the little girl I used to be. I will be strong. "Come on people!!" Drat. Nothingness. Head hurts. "Get her to the healer!!" Shouting. A lot of blood. Can't feel anything. "What happened?!!" Duchess? Anna? Like she doesn't know. Ugh... Getting hard to breathe... "Something fell on milady..." No. She threw one of those freaking floor stones at my head. Stop screaming everybody... "Hurry!! Where is the healer???" Like she cared... Can't... Breathe... "Cindy?" They're calling me... No... Her... I... I can't... Andrew "Cindy... She's-" "DON'T SAY IT." Anna cut me off. "Cindy is dead." The healer announced. Anna threw

herself on top of Cindy's dead body. My name is Andrew. I was Cindy's best friend, even though I was a servant. I'll be telling the story from this point. Cindy is gone. It's hard to say that now... "Andrew!!!" The Duchess grabbed my hair and pulled me aside. I restrained myself from swearing. "Yes... milady?" I tried to keep my voice from shaking, but I could feel my throat starting to close up. My head was starting to feel really light from clenching my jaw. "Andrew!!! Are you even listening?" "Yeah... What do you want?" What did I just say?? 'What do you want?' Oh, she's going to kick me out now. She's talking to me, what does she want me to do now? "-the body to the cellar. Hide it in the loose floorboard. Now go! Hurry before anyone sees." The Duchess hissed. I looked at Cindy's body. It looked different... Almost weaker or something of the sort. I was supposed to drag her body down to the cellar? And hide my best friend's body in a floorboard? Not. I took her body down to the cellar, but out the secret door Cindy and I used. I dug the rock hard dirt grave with my own hands. The tears streamed out of my eyes and into the hole that I dug. My jaw was quivering with sorrow. Deeper and deeper I dug until my arms gave out. The dirt was practically soaked this time I finished crying over Cindy's dead body. I'm proud though, I was the person who dug Cindy's grave. She would have had tears coming out of her eyes too. Maybe she would have told me what she was going to say before the Duchess made her lay the stones. Maybe she would tell me what I needed to do now. Maybe she would tell me to get revenge. I carefully placed her limp body in the hole that I dug. She was still wearing her necklace, the one that she had the day I met her. Take it. I reached down and the gold pendant seemed to come to my hand as if willingly. I placed the dirt over. Layer by layer. I rested a rock on top of the grave. "I will love no one else but you, Cindy. Will you wait for me, on the other side? The only thing keeping me from suicide is to see your goal accomplished. I will overthrow Anna. I promise you all these things."

I swore to her soul that I would revenge her. Maybe I should throw a stone at Anna's head, see how she likes it. Maybe. As I walked back to the room that Anna gave me, I heard a rustling in the bushes. An animal? I don't have any intention to go after it right now. It would be pointless being that I wouldn't have anyone to show the "cutest animal in the world" to. When I got to my room, I looked around. Without Cindy, the room seemed so dull. Cindy had always brought everything I had to life. Even me. Whether it was gardening, which she somehow made very fun, dusting, which she loved to do, or polishing which was always bothersome. How come it took me so long to admit it to myself? I love her. I love Cindy. And I will never be able to say that to her ever.

San Diego

By Charlotte

I stepped into the airport. Even inside it was different from my house in Hawaii. It just felt strange. Most people think of my hometown a vacation spot. I used to love going to a coffee shop downtown and watching flustered tourists in outdated rental cars pull over and hurriedly ask natives for directions to a place right down the street. That was then. This is now. I continually have to remind myself that I no longer live in Hawaii. I now live in the lamest city on earth, San Diego, with my lame dad who’s now a famous scientist. Frankly, I don’t care for his shiny gizmos he keeps in the basement. One day he came home from his lab and exclaimed “I’ve done it! Were moving to San Diego!” Our cab driver took us to the fanciest townhouse I've ever seen. “Welcome home,” my father said. I stepped out of the cab and walked up to the huge wooden front door. My father stepped up beside me and unlocked it with a key. Then, he led me upstairs to “my room”. The walls were cream and in the center there was a dark, wooden four-poster bed with white sheers. I dumped my suitcase on the ground and sat on the bed. “I’ll let you settle in,” my dad said, and left the room.

The windows were open and the warm summer breeze blew in. I must have been really tired because I woke up the next morning in my shorts and a tee. My stomach growled. I remembered I hadn’t eaten the ‘dinner’ they had served on the flight last night. That’s what they called it. I didn’t believe them. I smelled something really good coming from downstairs. Remembering my father was absolutely hopeless in the kitchen I slipped out of bed and went downstairs to investigate. I wandered around the entire first floor of the huge new house until I finally found myself in the kitchen. To my surprise my father was sitting at the counter on a stool, drinking coffee. Standing at the stove was a man I had never seen before in my life. “Uhhhh…” I was at a loss for words. For all I knew my father only had scientist ‘colleagues’ or whatever in San Diego. I was pretty sure ‘colleagues’ didn’t come over at ten thirty to make us breakfast. My father hopped up from his chair. “Oh! I forgot! Savannah, meet Frosoir. He’s our new personal chef, since, as you know, I am absolutely hopeless in the kitchen.” “Would you like something for breakfast, miss?” He asked in a thick French accent. “No!” was my forceful reply. I stormed out the front door. But of course, my father was right next to me before I could even decide where to go. I had only been tromping down the sidewalk for about thirty seconds. “I understand why you’re upset,” he said. I turned my head away. “But you have to come back inside and have some breakfast. You haven’t eaten in more than twelve hours.” I realized that he was right and let him drag back into our house. Frosoir had cooked me up an omelet and I sat down, thanked Frosoir and ate it. Maybe San Diego wasn’t so lame after all.

A Vanishing Act

By Stephanie

Due to being besieged by the evil forces of Lord Homework, A Vanishing Act has

vanished.

The Record That Will Never

Be Broken By Jonathan

Lou Gehrig played 2,130 games in a row: broken by Cal Ripken Jr. in 1995. Babe Ruth’s 60 home runs went up in smoke to Roger Maris, again to Marc McGwire, and again to Barry Bonds. Hank Aaron’s “insurmountable” 755 (home runs) is no longer written in record books as well. But there is one record that has stood the test of time and will never be broken: Johnny Vander Meer pitched for the Cincinnati Reds for the first 11 years of his career, 1937-1949, which was interrupted by World War II. After finishing his career with the Cubs in 1950, and one game with the Indians a year later, he had compiled more losses than wins. He pitched just three innings in the 1940 World Series, his Reds winning in seven games. Vander Meer did throw two no-hitters in his career, but so did many others, including little-knowns such as Bill Stoneman, Jim Maloney, and Johnny Lush. But Vander Meer is remembered while these others are not, because his no-hitters came in a row. On June 11, 1938, in the middle of a nine game winning streak, the longest of his otherwise average career, Johnny Vander Meer took the mound against the Boston Braves. Vander Meer displayed unusually excellent control, but didn’t throw his hardest. Still, Vander Meer was perfect through the first three innings before Gene Moore walked to start the fourth inning, but was gunned downed trying to advance on a John Cooney fly out. Tony Cuccinello also walked, and was picked off leaning too far away from the bag at first. Vander Meer walked three and pitched to twenty-eight batters, just one more than the minimum, and finished the afternoon with four strikeouts. June 15, 1938 was the first night game ever played at Ebbets Field, home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. In this game, Vander Meer threw his fastball and sinker hard but struggled with his control, the flaw that kept him from being a great pitcher for the rest of his career. Going into the bottom of the ninth inning, Vander Meer had walked five batters but not yet surrendered a

hit. Vander Meer proceeded to get two outs but walk three batters in the process. While it appeared he had lost his control, Vander Meer, who struck out seven, got Leo Durocher (Later a Hall of Fame manager who managed the Giants when Bobby Thompson hit his “shot heard ‘round the world) to fly out to center fielder Harry Craft. Many serious baseball fans have heard of Johnny Vander Meer, but few know that at the time of his legendary accomplishment he was just a twenty-three year-old rookie. Just a small town kid from New Jersey, Vander Meer couldn’t handle the pressure of being in the national spotlight and by 1940 was pitching in the minor leagues. Without being flustered by the publicity, Vander Meer then proceeded to win 49 games over the next three seasons. While it appeared once again as if he was destined for a great career, after missing two seasons due to World War II, Vander Meer had lost his rhythm and had only one winning season for the rest of his career (17-14 in 1948). Despite putting up a respectable ERA (3.44) and playing in four all-star games, Vander Meer is remembered for this accomplishment alone. After all, other than Vander Meer, only three players (Virgil Trucks for the Tigers in 1952, Allie Reynolds for the Yankees in 1951, and Nolan Ryan for the Angels in 1973), have ever pitched two no hitters in a season. No pitcher has ever thrown three no hitters in a season, and for Johnny Vander Meer to be bested some one would have to throw three no hitters in a season, and they would have to come in a row. Johnny Vander Meer holds the baseball record least likely to ever be broken.

**Information from www.baseball-alamanac.com and http://bleacherreport.com

2010 Olympic Preview By Matt

As you may know, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games are going to be held in Vancouver, British Columbia. The city was selected as the host in 2003, and they’re definitely ready. When I visited Vancouver over the winter break, all the hype was about the Olympic games. Here are some Americans to watch in each of the main events: Men’s Skiing: Bode Miller: This heavy favorite is a 4-time World Champ and 2-time Olympic medalist Ted Ligety: This legendary injury-prone veteran dominates while healthy Women’s Skiing: Lindsey Vonn: As 2008 and 2009 World Champion, she is one of the best American skiers Julia Mancuso: 2006 Turino gold medalist, she is out to get another one in Vancouver Men‘s Figure Skating: Evan Lycasek: US and World champion, Evan will compete for his first medal Women’s Figure Skating: Sasha Cohen: After a calf injury, the young Torino silver medalist is making a return Pairs Figure Skating: McLaughlin/Brubaker: A young pair 2-time world champions, they have won every event competed in together. They look to beat #1 ranked Germany’s Savchenko/Szolkowy Men’s Ice Hockey: Patrick Kane: A young forward who led the Chicago Blackhawks to the playoffs last year Brian Rafalski: 3-time Stanley Cup winner and Detroit Red Wings defensemen Tim Thomas: Star Bruins goaltender with a .933 save percentage in the 08-09 season Women’s Ice Hockey: Natalie Darwitz: Forward and captain of the team who led the US to 2 medals so far Jessie Vetter: Star goalie who led the Wisconsin University Badgers to a NCAA title Men’s Speed Skating: Apolo Anton Ohno: The 5-time Olympic medalist is back and better than ever

Women’s Speed Skating: Jennifer Rodriguez: With 2 bronze medals, she is the face of Cuban-American speed skating Men’s Snowboarding: Shaun White: The Winter X Games 9-time gold medalist is expected to awe the crowd Seth Wescott: The Torino gold medalist looks to shred the snowboard cross slopes Women’s Snowboarding: Lindsey Jacobellis: After an embarrassing fall in Torino, Lindsey looks to redeem herself Hannah Teter: Winning pretty much every major half pipe competition, Teter is a favorite The Vancouver Olympics begin on February 12, 2010. The city is ready. Will you be?

The “Inukshuk” is the official symbol of the 2010 Olympics. It resembles a person and can be found in many different places.

As I said before, the city of Vancouver is

ready for the 2010 winter games.

Sources The Official Site of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics

The Official Site of USA Figure Skating The Official Site of the USA Ski Team

The Official Site of USA Hockey The Official Site of USA Speed Skating The Official Site of Apohlo Anton Ohno The Official Site of USA Snowboarding

Serve immediately or store in airtight container for 2 to 3 days. Cook Time: 25 Minutes Makes 12 Muffins

You can also make this recipe using other ingredients rather than blueberries, such as other berries, chocolate, etc…

Word Search Answers

Blueberry Muffins Joanna Recipe from Alton Brown, Good Eats on Food Network Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cake flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 2 teaspoons baking powder • Heavy pinch salt • 1 cup sugar • 1/2 cup vegetable oil • 1 egg • 1 cup yogurt • 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries • Nonstick spray, for the muffin tins (if you don’t have it, rubbing a very little bit of butter around the sides of the

tin works too)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt and set aside. In another large bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, egg and yogurt. Add the dry ingredients reserving 1 tablespoon of the dry ingredients and toss with the blueberries. Stir mixture for a count of 10. Add 1 cup blueberries to mixture and stir 3 more times. Reserve the 1/2 cup of blueberries.

Using an ice cream scoop, (for equal sized muffins) add the mixture to greased muffin pans. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of berries on top of muffins and press down lightly. Place into the oven and increase the temperature to 400 degrees. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating pan halfway through. Remove from oven and turn out, upside down on kitchen towel to cool completely.

Texting. Has it replaced everything else? Tiffany Over the years people have always found ways of communicating. First it was writing letters, then came the telephone, then e-mail, IM, cell phones, and now we have texting. Look around you, so many people are texting. People are now texting more and more. So it’s convenient we know that. But does it mean we have to ignore every other way of communicating? I mean, no one even writes letters anymore. That’s because we have e-mail now and that’s so much faster, but now we’ve lost one way of communicating. We’re losing the telephone right now too because now more and more people have cell phones so it gives us no point to having a telephone. Who knew things could change that fast? I promise you that in a few years people will have found a way to replace e-mail and then in years after that, e-mail will be found as ancient as writing letters is right now. One more thing about texting, is that it has an affect on our language. People find it easier to abbreviate rather than text out the whole word. Some examples would be like, “LOL, TTYL, IDK” standing for laugh out loud, talk to you later, and I don’t know. Texting is really messing up what we’ve been learning in school about “proper grammar and spelling” and I doubt “LOL” would qualify as proper spelling.

Some Texting Lingo... 2=to, too 4=for u=you r=are Idk=I don’t know Lol=laugh out loud, lots of laughs Ikr=inorite (I know right) Ttyl=talk to you later

By Han Gr. 8 Digital Artist

Caddy One Tommy On my drive home from the airport last Sunday, January 17th I saw President Obama’s convoy of vehicles after his trip to Boston to campaign for Martha Coakley. His motorcade wasn’t hard to miss, because there were so many police cars and vans (approximately 35 cars are in his entourage.) What stood out was the presidential limo. It has a couple of names, “Cadilac One”, “The Beast” and “Stagecoach” which is a part of the president’s “First Fleet.” Past presidents also had presidential cars: President Harding was the first President to use a car at his inauguration, President Roosevelt had the first bulletproof car which was previously owned by mobster Al Capone and Lyndon Johnson had the first armored and enclosed car. How is President Obama’s presidential limo different? It can withstand a chemical attack given its sealed recirculation system, has doors that are as heavy as a Boeing’s 747 cabin door and the windows are 5 inches thick made of ballistic glass. “It is safe to say that that this car’s security and coded communications systems make it the most technologically advanced protection vehicle in the world,” said Nicolas Trotta, assistant direction for the Secret Service Office of Protective Operations. A lot of the specifications are not discussed given security reasons. Next time Obama’s in Boston be sure to look out for Cadillac One. Source: Picture SodaHead.com 1.20.09 and wired.com 1.20.09 “Obama Rolls in an Armored Cadillac Stagecoach”